*Copy-pasting my comments from the story discussion as a review* 

*contains spoilers*

 

There are too many themes for one to make a proper impact. It would be better summed up as the hidden truth in the lives of an old privileged couple and men will be men. 

The author distanced herself a bit too much from the story for it to make the kind of impact I prefer. Or maybe it is her loving indulgence in Grant that makes me care less about the story. 

I'm not sure I'd call it love as such. 

Fiona knows exactly what makes Grant have a crush on her and she keeps up the image for decades. The classic case of 'she is not like other women', so no matter how many he sleeps with, his wife is special coz he is still in awe of her (and doesn't understand her). 

For Fiona, I think her parents' marriage made her that way. The mom and dad are on opposite ends (in a way) even if the mom rules the house. Also, there's this sort of inference where Foina's mother may not have given her child the kind of love she needs. Trail and error (mostly), Fiona found out that being a surreal butterfly with a mean steak would attract men, and it did. Grant was her choice coz he comes from a lower background. Even if he goes around cheating on her, he wouldn't be stupid enough to leave her. And her whimsical attitude is another hook. She is out of her family home and can do what she likes while he does what he likes. Together, they have a marriage that works for both of them. This MAY have turned into some form of love (affection due to familiarity) over the years. 

When Fiona is in the care center, she naturally loses control over him. It is like setting him 100% free. She can't do anything if he doesn't come back for her. So, what can she do to make sure he does? In comes Audrey. That leads Grant to Marian but it also keeps him hooked to Fiona. 

This will sound cynical but I don't subscribe to the notion of a man loving his wife so much that he can sleep with anyone and not let it affect his marriage. It's a convenient way to have the cake and eat it too, while others go 'awww how cute' over it. 

Multiple interpretations, yes, in a way. The characters are uni-dimensional so if someone wants to add depth to them, they can. 

Did I enjoy her style of exploration? Nope. After one point, I didn't give a damn about what happened to them. 

Are there emotions in there? Can't really say. Maybe some. I appreciate the lack of OTT drama but I don't feel any kind of empathy towards Fiona either. 

It actually reminded me of The Half Moon where I thought it was good the characters limited the damage to others by being together. I'd say the same here, I suppose.